Remote Sensing Systems Analyst

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape future space missions across the national security space enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including United States Space Force, United States Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation.

Actively contribute to an elite, high-performing team bringing technical skills to bear to characterize the fast-moving field of international space technologies and their implications to U.S. National Security Space. Participate in a wide range of technical activities, work with technical intelligence, analyze threats to space programs, and influence customer decisions on important National Security Space topics. The potential exists to develop your own areas of expertise and specialization in the analysis of space and missile systems.

Work Model

This is an 100% on-site position at the Los Angeles AFB.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Perform evaluations of current and emerging technologies related to space, ground, and missile systems
• Studies will focus on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Moving Target Indication (MTI), maritime surveillance, and electronic warfare.
• Contribute to a broad well-established portfolio of technology assessments for multiple customers
• Identify short- and long-term technical challenges for a diverse customer base, including the USAF, the intelligence community, and other government and commercial customers
• Assess the potential impact of current worldwide technology developments in space, counterspace activities, missiles and anti-missiles on U.S. national security
• Prepare technical reports, briefings, and other materials updating the status of established and emerging space and missile technologies
• Investigate supply chain issues associated with remote sensing technologies 
• Engineering innovative and sophisticated Radar and SAR solutions for the latest space applications
• Partnering with technical experts across multiple disciplines to explore innovative solutions to critical national missions

What You Need to Be Successful - Senior Member of Technical Staff, Signal and Image Process Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering, or another related STEM discipline.
• Five years work experience with technologies relevant to space, ground, and/or launch; a background in space systems engineering and/or general physics
• Experience with commercial and/or government remote sensing systems 
• An understanding EO and RF phenomenologies and sensor systems
• Strong analytic problem-solving skills relating to the performance of passive remote sensing electro-optical visible and infrared sensors, including topics such as: earth and space visible and infrared phenomenology, atmospheric radiative transfer, detection theory, and sensor performance metrics
• Superior written and oral communication skills in English, and an ability to work well with other analysts
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI SSBI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the Project Engineer - Signal & Image Process Engineering requires the following:

• 8+ years work experience with technologies relevant to space, ground, and/or launch; a background in space systems engineering and/or general physics
• Demonstrated strong written and oral communications skills with ability to clarify complex issues and ensure audience understanding to peers and leadership
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as an integration leader or coordinator across technical contributors

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of the following:

• Advanced degree from an accredited program in in Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering, or another related discipline.
• Experience with US remote sensing licensing requirements
• Experience employing and developing sophisticated simulation tools to perform space payload and ground processing designs in support of architecture concept trade studies, requirements verification, analyses-of-alternatives, and performance modeling.
• Experience architecting SAR antenna, payload, and sensor performance for mission success
• Model target RF signatures for exploitation applications
• Prior experience and familiarity with USAF and IC customers
• Characterizing performance to support program acquisition, planning and maturation
• Current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. 

(Min - Max)

$110,400 - $193,000

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.